How to Remove Plastic Faucet Valves

Faucet valves can degrade due to normal wear and tear.

Over time, you may need to replace your home's plastic faucet valves due to leaking seals or stripped stems. There's no need to call a plumber, as this is a household chore that you can easily tackle yourself. All double-handled faucets have one valve under each handle. To expose these valves, you'll need to remove the handles. When updating the valves, use proper-fitting replacements to prevent leakage.

1

Locate the water valves that supply water to the faucet under the sink. Turn the handles clockwise to shut off the water to the faucet. Turn the faucet handles to make sure that the water is off.

2

Place the end of a slotted screwdriver under the edge of the cap located on the top of the handle. Pop the cap off with the slotted screwdriver to expose the screw that secures the handle to the plastic valve.

3

Remove the center screw at the center of the handle using a Phillips screwdriver. Slip the appropriate-size hex wrench into the head of the bolt and rotate it counterclockwise to loosen and remove.

4

Pull the faucet handle up to remove it from the valve stem. Grasp the faucet's decorative base to expose the plastic valve.

5

Place the jaws of adjustable pliers or pipe wrench around the base of the plastic valve. Turn the valve in a counterclockwise direction to unthread or unseat it from the faucet body.

Things You Will Need

About the Author

Elizabeth Arnold has written for a wide variety of publications and websites. Her experience includes writing travel features for "Recommend" magazine and packaging marketing copy for both Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros. consumer products. Recently, Arnold was a staff writer for "Special Events" magazine. Arnold studied English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.